THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Over the past week, I have been monitoring
the situation in the Middle East closely with the members of my national
security team. Secretary Rice is actively engaged in diplomacy. And I've
been in contact with leaders throughout the region -- including the King of
Saudi Arabia, the King of Jordan, the President of Egypt, the President and
Prime Minister of the Palestinian Territories, and the Prime Minister of
Israel.

This recent outburst of violence was instigated by Hamas -- a Palestinian
terrorist group supported by Iran and Syria that calls for Israel's
destruction. Eighteen months ago, Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in a
coup, and since then has imported thousands of guns and rockets and
mortars. Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, but Hamas
routinely violated that ceasefire by launching rockets into Israel. On
December 19th, Hamas announced an end to the ceasefire and soon unleashed a
barrage of rockets and mortars that deliberately targeted innocent Israelis
-- an act of terror that is opposed by the legitimate leader of the
Palestinian people, President Abbas.

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FAQ

In response to these attacks on their people, the leaders of Israel have
launched military operations on Hamas positions in Gaza. As a part of
their strategy, Hamas terrorists often hide within the civilian population,
which puts innocent Palestinians at risk. Regrettably, Palestinian
civilians have been killed in recent days.

The United States is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation
facing the Palestinian people. Since Hamas's violent takeover in the
summer of 2007, living conditions have worsened for Palestinians in Gaza.
By spending its resources on rocket launchers instead of roads and schools,
Hamas has demonstrated that it has no intention of serving the Palestinian
people. America has helped by providing tens of millions of dollars in
humanitarian aid, and this week we contributed an additional $85 million
through the United Nations. We have consistently called on all in the
region to ensure that assistance reaches those in need. And as I told
President Mubarak, America appreciates the role Egypt has played in
facilitating the delivery of relief supplies in recent days.

In addition to reducing humanitarian suffering, all nations must work
toward a lasting end to the violence in the Holy Land, and a return to the
path of peace. The United States is leading diplomatic efforts to achieve
a meaningful ceasefire that is fully respected. Another one-way ceasefire
that leads to rocket attacks on Israel is not acceptable. And promises
from Hamas will not suffice -- there must be monitoring mechanisms in place
to help ensure that smuggling of weapons to terrorist groups in Gaza comes
to an end. I urge all parties to pressure Hamas to turn away from terror,
and to support legitimate Palestinian leaders working for peace.

In the days ahead, the United States will stay closely engaged with our
partners in the region, in Europe, and in the international community. My
Administration will continue to keep the President-elect and his team
informed. And America's objectives in the Middle East will remain clear:
We seek security and peace for our allies, the free people of Israel. For
the Palestinian people, we seek a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state
that serves its citizens and respects its neighbors. For all in the
region, we seek an end to terror. And we seek an enduring peace based on
justice, dignity, and human rights for every person in every nation of the
Middle East.